Schuster: Epstein Almost Giddy About Beginning Of Spring Training

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 25: Theo Epstein, the new President of Baseball Operations for the Chicago Cubs, speaks during a press conference at Wrigley Field on October 25, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Theo Epstein. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

By David Schuster-

(WSCR) – Theo Epstein was almost giddy talking about the beginning of Spring Training.

The Cubs president said this has been a long time coming:

“This is what we’re all here for to play the game on the field. Sometimes the winter can stretch on and you forget what you do for a living. You feel like an accountant or something. So we’re real happy to hear the crack of the bat and get together under the same roof and get this thing started.”

Epstein led the Cubs through their organizational meetings this past week where nearly 170 different people attended and voiced their thoughts. Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer also authored a new manual that summarizes how the Cubs intend on playing. This manual will be the way the organization plays the game from summer league in the Dominican through the various levels of the minor leagues and on the major league level, as well. Epstein wasn’t sure how long the manual was but he said it was in the hundreds of pages.

Epstein said the Cubs have discussed a possible longer term deal for pitcher Matt Garza but would never negotiate it in the media. He said he hasn’t seen the movie Moneyball and has no desire to see it. He also said the goal of the 2012 Cubs is to win the World Series. He knows they are a decided underdog but he also cited numerous examples of teams coming out of nowhere to enjoy success that nobody thought possible.

For more spring training coverage from Mesa, Ariz, click here. Find all of David Schuster’s spring training blogs here and follow him on Twitter (@schumouse).

David Schuster is an on-air reporter, update anchor and part-time host for 670 The Score.
He's been covering the local sports scene for more than 30 years. He's been privileged to have covered 10 local championships (six by the Bulls, two by the...